Methods, systems, and devices are described for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE). A UE may synchronize with a cell using a waveform known to the UE beforehand, and common to a group of cells. The UE may determine a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) time. The UE may receive the PBCH and determine a physical layer identification (ID) for the cell and a frequency for uplink transmissions. The PBCH may also indicate a channel configuration, which may enable the UE to perform a random access procedure. The channel configuration may include a time/frequency resource configuration of a shared traffic channel. In some cases, the UE may determine resources for data transmission based on an index of a control channel transmission. In some cases, there may be a predetermined delay between control channel transmissions and data channel transmissions. The UE may then enter a low power state during the delay.